A classic block style waterfall (also known as a “horseshoe” falls) Nesowadnehunk Falls is a 7-foot drop of the West Branch of the Penobscot River. The falls are a well-known portage spot, often too dangerous for canoes and kayaks traveling down the river from the drop-in spot at Ripogenus Gorge. For whitewater rafters, however, traveling over the falls is often the highlight of a journey down the Penobscot River. Often, outfitters will do multiple runs over the falls if time and conditions permit them to. The powerful 100-foot wide cascade drowns out the occasion logging trucks that are driving along Golden Rd, only yards away. Fly-fishing is also common below the falls, and a decent view of Mt. Katahdin can be seen looking downstream. Also, since the falls are controlled by Ripogenus Dam upstream, and water is released throughout each day, expect to see a powerful waterfall any time of the year.

The trail starts on the opposite side of the road from the parking lot and leads about 200 feet to the river, where the falls become blatantly obvious. There are limited scrambling opportunities around the falls.

Directions for this particular waterfall are not posted online. Please see directions in our published guidebook, New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 400 Cascades And Waterfalls, or you can email us and we will happily provide them to you.

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